GALION—As the tarantula crawls on the hand of Private Drake Garrett of the Ohio Army National Guard, he tries not to flinch. He came to the Lowe-Volk Nature Center on Wednesday to face one of his fears, this one of spiders, as he battles the scariest of diseases: cancer.
The Galion resident was diagnosed with diffuse midline glioma, stage four brain cancer, last September.
“He was sent to Riverside back in September after seeing his eye doctor for double vision and headaches. The MRI showed two masses on his brain stem. He was faced with the decision of whether or not to have a biopsy, which was risky in itself due to the location of the tumors. But he went through the procedure and they were able to read his particular cancer’s DNA,” said Ruthie Henry, Drake’s mom.
She said the tumors are inoperable due to their location.
“And for this rare cancer, usually a childhood cancer, chemo is not an effective option,” said Henry.
According to Henry, Drake completed 55 radiation treatments which resulted in a total of 4 mm shrinkage, about the size of two needle heads.
“It’s not much, but it’s better than it growing so we’ll take it!
She said that Drake has chosen to participate in some clinical trials, which are currently pending insurance approval.
“At this point, it is out of our hands,” said Henry of her son’s prognosis.
Drake has several areas affected by the cancer, including his balance, ease of walking, pain, and his vision.
Henry suggested that Drake make a bucket list and try to complete it.
“I thought making the bucket list sounded like a good idea and it would be fun doing everything, so mom and I made a bucket list to do together,” said Drake.
Henry said she and her son decided to create a bucket list for the simple fact that they want to take advantage of every opportunity to create memories.
“In the end, that’s all you have,” said Henry.
It was their bucket list that led them to Lowe-Volk Park on Wednesday to face a fear.
“Well, we did it! We faced a fear,” said Drake.
He held a tarantula while his mom held a snake.
“Drake and I decided to create a bucket list together, but chances are we won’t get to complete everything for the simple fact that he doesn’t have the energy he used to have, and we won’t be able to afford everything we’d like to do,” said Henry.
She said Drake is a member of the Army National Guard, the third of six children, he is an uncle, a grandson, a boyfriend and a friend.
“While I do not wish any form of cancer on anyone, I can’t think of anyone less deserving than Drake. I probably say that because I’m his mom, and I know how big his heart is,” said Henry. “We all know cancer is a demon, and we always think it won’t happen to us or someone we love. But it does. I’ve learned that life is short, and we don’t know when our time is up.”
Henry said a friend suggested she and Drake make a GoFundMe account for the bucket list.
“While we did so reluctantly, we decided to give it a try,” said Henry. “Our family doesn’t ask for handouts. But while I was debating on making this account, I got to thinking about all the memories I have with Drake. For all of us, one day all we will have of our loved ones are memories. If there is a chance that we can create some new memories, then it’s worth putting this out there.”
Henry said she never expected to see so much encouragement from others and feels blessed by it.
She said the Galion Amvets and SD Tattoo in Galion have provided a gift certificate for tattoos for her and Drake and the Amvets has also nominated Drake to be the grand parade marshal in the upcoming Memorial Day Parade.
“Someone actually had two frozen New York pizzas shipped to our house. We ate those last night as a family. New York pizza definitely would be worth the drive,” said Henry.
Tickets to various local attractions and events have also been donated to help Drake carry out his bucket list with his mom.
To donate to Drake and his mom’s bucket list, click here.
Below is Drake and Henry’s bucket list:
* Go Magnet Fishing
* Go on a Mansfield Reformatory tour
* Get a tattoo together
* Visit New York for a real NY pizza
* Re-create an old photo
* Volunteer somewhere together
* Drive across Ohio for the Lincoln Bi-way sales
* Visit the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame
* Visit the Christmas Story House
* Be in a parade together
* Do a food challenge together
* Make a helping hands food video
* Make a helping hands makeup video
* Go-kart racing
* Visit a drive-through safari
* Find the Ohio ghost ship
* Go mushroom hunting
* Witness a miracle
* Face a fear
* Visit the Mutter Museum
* Visit the Clown Motel
* Visit Hell, Michigan
* Try a Chicago pizza
* Take Aiden to Hooters for his birthday (Drake’s little brother)
* Have a shake at Rip Rap Shake Shack
* Visit G&R Tavern for a famous fried bologna sandwich
* Go on a dinner cruise on the Goodtime